Turbine roof vents are an effective and energy-efficient way to ventilate your roof. Unlike traditional ridge or soffit vents, turbine vents use wind power to spin a turbine fan on the roof, which in turn creates suction that pulls air from the attic.
Generally, ridge vents are considered best, though it depends somewhat on the individual situation. There should also be at least one 8x16'' soffit vent every four feet, on an average roof -- you need vents both high and low to be effective.
Positive Input Ventilation Systems (PIV) are more effective at protecting your whole home from condensation, damp, and mould than simple extractors. They do run continuously to circulate air, but thanks to their efficient design, they are quite cheap to run.
While whirlybirds may provide some ventilation benefits, they are not waterproof and can allow wind-driven rain into your attic. On the other hand, Duraflo turbo vents offer enhanced performance, durability, and a completely waterproof design, ensuring optimal ventilation without compromising your attic's integrity.
Powered ventilator solutions are typically mains connected or solar-powered and provide powerful, continuous and effective ventilation to reduce heat and humidity build-up. They're the most effective form of ventilation; one electricity-driven vent is equivalent to multiple wind-driven vents for the same roof space.
Soffit Ventilation
These are vents installed in the soffit or the area under the eaves of the roof. It allows fresh air to enter the roof cavity space and also works well with other types of vents to create a natural flow of cool air.
On the other hand, box vents do not provide as much ventilation as ridge vents, and you typically need to install more of them to provide proper airflow. Box vents are also somewhat more challenging to integrate with the roof.
On calm days with little to no wind, these vents may struggle to spin, reducing their efficiency. If your home is in an area with infrequent wind, turbine vents might not be the best choice. Prone to Damage: Being outdoor installations, whirlybirds are exposed to various weather conditions.
Best Ventilation Practices: A Balanced System With Recovery
HRVs and ERVs can also exchange moisture in the airflows to help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels. ERVs are the best choice in most cases, as they are beneficial in preventing indoor air from becoming too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.
During winter, whirlybirds work to remove excess humidity and dampness, preventing mould and bacteria growth. Installing a whirlybird is an inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient, ventilated, and free from odours and stale air.
Mechanical ventilation systems are considered to be reliable in delivering the designed flow rate, regardless of the impacts of variable wind and ambient temperature. As mechanical ventilation can be integrated easily into air-conditioning, the indoor air temperature and humidity can also be controlled.
Natural ventilation
This refers to an ongoing supply of clean air from natural sources which, in most cases, is the most ideal type of ventilation for a building. These typically depend on natural forces, such as wind and thermal buoyancy, to drive the outdoor air throughout the buildings.
In most cases, we recommend soffit vents for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust. For homes that cannot have a ridge vent, box vents are generally the second best option for exhaust. And for homes that cannot have soffit ventilation, you will find that fascia vents to be your second best bet.
A universally accepted guideline for roof ventilation is the 1/150 ventilation rule. According to this rule, a roof must have ventilation that is at least one square foot for every 150 square feet of attic or crawl space. A minimum of 13.3 square feet of ventilation is needed for a 2,000-square-foot attic.
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
The main benefit of roof ventilation is to regulate the temperature of your roof cavity, so that it doesn't heat or cool the rest of your property. If you're living in a building with an unventilated roof, your air conditioning will be working harder to cool your property.
Ridge Vents: What You Need to Know
They are considered one of the most effective types of roof vents due to their design and positioning. Ridge vents work by creating a continuous air channel, allowing hot air to escape and fresh air to enter through intake vents located at the lower parts of the roof.
Whole-house ventilation system costs $700 to $2,700. This mechanical ventilation system uses a series of fans or a whole-house fan and ducts to cool, heat, and improve the home's air quality. All of the mechanical ventilation systems can be used to achieve whole-house ventilation.
It is a sustainable and renewable source of energy, which will reduce your carbon footprint from the point of installation. Reduces your energy bills. Once you've paid for your turbine, wind power is essentially free. And even a small rooftop turbine can significantly reduce electricity bills over the long term.
Wind-Powered Performance
While wind speed can affect their effectiveness, traditional whirlybirds generally outperform solar vents in terms of airflow, especially during low winds. They're also less likely to catch debris than some solar roof vent designs.
Ridge vents work best on simple, single-ridge roofs with a moderate pitch. If you have a steep or complex roof, other vent types may be more effective. You should also consider the climate. If you live in an area with lots of wind, rain, or snow, your roof may need additional protection.
A ridge vent costs between $300 and $650 on average, with most people paying about $500. Your final costs will vary based on the size, type, and number of units you install. A local professional will be able to give you more accurate information in terms of pricing.
While each type—metal, hard plastic shingle-over, and soft foam shingle-over—has its merits, the hard plastic 4-foot shingle-over ridge vent stands out for its unparalleled air exhaust capabilities, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking optimal ventilation performance.